Jim Stepanek
Reviews By Author
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VW Golf PolazeiPublished: July 15, 2023 This is a review of the Iltaleri 3666 VW Golf Polizel model kit EngineVery basic engine. While engraved beautifully, this is very little additional details so the engine was put together and installed with no further detailing done. InteriorInterior is wonderfully engraved. I had some issue fitting the separate side panels onto the chassis. Decals in the… more |
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Ford Escort Zakspeed Gr.2Published: February 22, 2023 This is a review of the Ford Escort Zakspeed Gr.2. EngineThe little 4 cylinder engine is well engraved. I was a little disappointed that there was no distributor. InteriorInterior is wonderfully engraved and everything fits perfectly. There’s seat belt decals for the driver seat. The kit also had seat belt latches but they weren’t supposed to be used.… more |
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Mission Model PaintsPublished: March 28, 2022 MMP-134 Surf Green, MMP-135 Coral, MMP-136 Aracdian Blue, MMP-137 Lilac, MMP-179 Crocus yellow Of the paints listed above, I used only the MMP-134 Surf Green on a 1966 Chevelle station wagon. Prior to painting the body was wet sanded with 2009 grit paper, washed and dried and then 2 coats of Duplicolor white primer were applied. After drying overnight, the primer was wet sanded with… more |
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Mitsubishi Lancer Turbo ’82 Rally of 1000Published: June 21, 2021 This is a review of the NuNU Mitsubishi Lancer Turbo ’82 Rally of 1000 Lakes race car by Platz Hobby. EngineDisappointed that there’s no engine. It is curbside kit. InteriorInterior is wonderfully engraved and fits extremely well. Very little, if any, flash needed to be cleaned up. Did not even have to paint some of the parts. BodyBody… more |
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Alpha Abrasives Plastic Sanding NeedlesPublished: February 17, 2021 This is a review of the Alpha Abrasives plastic sanding needles I wasn’t able to find the assorted sanding needles on the Alpha Abrasives website. There were only individual packages of course, medium, and fine. The needles are evidently made in a two-part mold because there are two mold lines running down the shaft. Not very good if you want to sand a round hole. The mold… more |
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Buick Riviera 1963 to 1973Published: May 21, 2020 This is a review of the Veloce Buick Riviera 1963 to 1973 I haven’t written a book review in over 50 years, so bear with me. The Veloce book is packed with information about the first three generations of the stylish, luxurious, and performance-oriented Buick Riviera. Tons of pictures accompany performance data, available option equipment for each year, changes and upgrades by… more |
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Hyundai Santa FePublished: April 1, 2020 This is a review of the 1/24th Academy Hyundai Santa Fe. EngineNo engine. It’s curbside kit and a 2018 model year. InteriorInterior is wonderfully engraved and everything fits perfectly. There were no painting instructions so interior was left black from the kit. BodyBody was crisp and clean with no flash. I used HOK white and… more |
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Flex-I-File "Flex-Set" 550Published: April 17, 2022 This is a review of the Flex-i-File Flex Set #550 Oh man. No engine, no interior, no wheels. And you wouldn’t expect those items in a sanding kit. I ran into the Flex-i-File family at the IPMS Nationals in Orlando a few years ago and was impressed with their products. So I bought a few items and have used them extensively over the years. I’ve included pics of the package and… more |
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Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO-MRPublished: February 3, 2020 This is a review of the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO-MR. EngineNo engine. It’s curbside kit. InteriorInterior is wonderfully engraved and the supplied upholstery decals fit well. Didn’t even have to paint some of the parts. BodyBody was crisp and clean with no flash. I had hoped to just polish the plastic but there were swirls in… more |
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1957 Chrysler 300CPublished: September 13, 2018 EngineThere was little flash on the engine parts with excellent details. You get just a basic Hemi engine. InteriorDeep engraving can be seen on the door panels making it easy to detail paint. Seats and side panels are separate pieces from the floor. I used a Testors flat tan and flat black as called for on the detailed instruction sheet. Body… more |